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Accelerating action to tackle nature and climate crises

More funding to support biodiversity projects

Projects that restore Scotland’s rainforest and protect some of the country’s most threatened wildlife are among those set to benefit from crucial funding.

A new package of Scottish Government support totalling over £2.9 million will focus on conservation, research and connecting people with nature – aiming to accelerate the response to the biodiversity and climate crises.

A project to restore Scotland’s rainforest will receive over £1.3 million helping to control invasive rhododendron and manage the impacts of wild deer to promote the recovery of the fragile forest ecosystem.

‘Species on the Edge’, a five-year partnership project, will receive £500,000, helping to support 37 of Scotland’s most vulnerable species – such as the great yellow bumblebee and the Scottish primrose.

A further £200,000 will go to the Green Action Trust to help expand nature networks – supporting their work with local communities across Scotland to create and restore woodlands and wetlands.

Biodiversity Minister Lorna Slater said: “The interlinked crises of nature loss and climate change need urgent action across government and society. A healthy natural environment with restored and thriving biodiversity is also crucial to both our wellbeing and our economy.

“That is why we are continuing to support and build on a wide programme of enhancing nature protections. This new package of funding adds to our £65 million Nature Restoration Fund, which supports projects across Scotland – on land and at sea – that address the twin crises of biodiversity loss and climate change.

“We are at a critical moment as we approach the UN CoP15 biodiversity summit at the end of this year. We will soon publish a new Biodiversity Strategy for Scotland, which will set out what our natural environment needs to look like by 2045 in order to reverse biodiversity decline and protect our environment for the future.

“The Strategy will set out in detail how we achieve our goals and a Natural Environment Bill which will pave the way for statutory nature restoration targets.”

Alistair Whyte on behalf of Woodland Trust Scotland and Plantlife Scotland said: “We welcome the allocation of funding to begin the crucial work of halting the loss of Scotland’s rainforest.

“Restoring the rainforest will need a long-term, strategic approach to funding and action on the ground. In financially challenging times, this announcement is an encouraging step towards fulfilling that larger commitment to restore and expand this precious ecosystem. We owe it to the world to restore Scotland’s rainforest.”

Director of RSPB Scotland Anne McCall said: “Given the scale and urgency of the nature and climate crisis it is great to see this funding announcement from Scottish Government.

“Support for work that is focused on species and the restoration of Scotland’s rainforest highlights the importance of addressing nature loss across Scotland; there is so much more to be done, by all sectors, if we are to realise a future where nature and people can thrive.”

Details of all the projects to receive additional funding are contained in the table below:

Project	What it will do	Allocation
Species on the Edge	5 year partnership programme with NatureScot, the National Lottery Heritage Fund and nature conservation charities improving the fortunes of 37 priority species.	£50,000 allocation this year. A total Scottish Government contribution of £500,000 to £6.7 million total cost.
Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum – Better Biodiversity Data Project	Partnership project co-funded with NatureScot to develop first steps in a strategic approach to the collection, collation and sharing of biological data across Scotland, supporting the transition to net zero and helping halt and reverse biodiversity loss.	£31,000 this year – total of £290,000 over 3 years.
Scotland’s rainforest Restoration	Support for a programme of work initially enabling Forestry and Land Scotland to control invasive non-native species on 60 ha of priority rainforest sites, moving on to new priority sites and developing opportunities for collaboration with the Alliance for Scotland’s Rainforest and development of deer management plans for key sites.	£555,000 capital and £750,000 resource.
Nature Networks	To support the Green Action Trust’s work on local nature networks. Green Action Trust will work with local communities to create and restore woodlands and wetlands.	£200,000 top up capital to their core grant.
Nature Restoration Fund	Top up funding to the Transforming Nature multiyear project window, and additional capital to the National Parks to support their nature plans.	£453,000
The Conservation Volunteers	Support for the delivery of environmental volunteering, getting people engaged with nature, particularly in urban and socially deprived areas, each year TCV organise over 17,000 workdays planting over 15,000 trees, 26,000 wildflower bulbs and repairing 21km of paths.	£170,000

Sarah Boyack: Scotland’s Arts and Culture on the brink of collapse

AROUND 30 arts and culture organisations attended a Roundtable on the impact of the cost of living crisis on culture, hosted last week by Scottish Labour’s Spokesperson for Culture, Sarah Boyack MSP and shared their concerns about the future of the sector.

The roundtable was organised to better understand how dramatically increasing running costs and falling income due to overstretched households will impact on arts and culture organisations in Edinburgh and across Scotland.

From smaller, community-based organisations such as Sing in the City, Project Artlink and the Scottish Contemporary Art Network, to bigger and diverse institutions, including Scottish Ballet, Museum Galleries Scotland and Glasgow Life, the picture painted was grim and raised questions about current plans to address the unfolding crisis.

Sarah Boyack said that the organisations varied in size, budgets, challenges and needs for the future, highlighting the scale of the problem and the need for action.

The list MSP for Lothian commented: “A common theme that emerged during our roundtable is that without urgent support, many of Scotland’s Arts and Culture organisations will collapse.

“In the last fortnight, Falkirk Town Hall, the Filmhouse in Edinburgh, the Belmont in Aberdeen and the Edinburgh International Film Festival have all gone under so we need urgent action and support for the sector now.

“Despite reassurances from the Scottish Government that our National Collections will remain open to the public free of charge, we recently found out that flagship Edinburgh galleries might have to not only reduce hours but also cut on their outreach programmes funded by earned income.

Sarah Boyack continued: “The Scottish Government has a history of empty promises and soundbites over action – they’ve been warned, time and time again, about the “perfect storm” of the pandemic, declining incomes, rising energy bills and inflation.

“Year on year real terms cuts to local government have exacerbated the sustainability community based art and culture organisations and led to a loss of highly skilled staff. The Scottish Government has been warned about the long-lasting impact that this will have on the sector, with haemorrhage of talent and skills, closures and under-provision of services.

“Arts and culture organisations are hugely important not only to our cultural landscape, our economy and people’s well-being and mental health, but are also spaces that people can spend time in during the cost of living crisis – for free.

“I will be writing to the Cabinet Secretary to ask about a detailed cross government plan to support our arts and culture – we need clarity and action now, not soundbites.”

MSP praise for Tiphereth Camphill

LOTHIAN list MSP Foysul Choudhury visited Tiphereth Camphill last week.

The Labour MSP said: “I really enjoyed my visit to Tiphereth Camphill in Edinburgh, where I saw how they bring together diverse communities to work and grow together.

“They support those with learning difficulties to gain opportunities and skills, all within a beautiful and serene landscape that encourages members to find purpose and belonging.

“Tiphereth is a place where fun, work and care go hand-in-hand. I was encouraged to see a model of care that promotes creativity, flexibility, understanding, learning and adapting, which is of great benefit to the community members. Tiphereth Camphill gives members with learning difficulties the chance to engage in skilled work, such as woodwork, and has given many an opportunity to uncover their hidden talents and sense of purpose.

“I was interested to see how such a model, which promotes inclusive relationships and autonomy, could be replicated in the design of the new National Care Service. Tiphereth Camphill wants to ensure that a new National Care Service does not impose standard templates of care but instead gives those with learning difficulties opportunities such as skilled work.

“However, I learnt that there is a problem with a decline in volunteers. I also learnt of problems they are facing with energy costs and the cost-of-living crisis, which could be influencing volunteers to give up the role and find paid work, out of necessity.

“I intend to raise this with my colleagues and the Cross-Party Group on Volunteering, which I co-convene, to try to find a solution which could support this sector during this difficult time.

“I will also raise some of the issues faced by those with learning disabilities with the Social Justice and Social Security Committee.”

Founders of Newbridge caravan park win sustainable business award

The founders of a caravan park in Newbridge have won a UK-wide Sustainable Small Business award.

Katie and Alastair Guinan, who set up Linwater Caravan Park on Clifton Road in 1999, have been recognised with the Sustainable Business Transition Award.

The business sets itself apart by offering value for money whilst ensuring the business is fair on staff, the community and the planet.

Katie said: “As owners of a family business, it is really important that we operate responsibly so that it, and the planet, is still here for the next generation. We have worked hard over the last few years to improve our green credentials and will continue on this path.

“There is always room to improve no matter how many awards and certificates you get for being sustainable.

“We are so grateful for the recognition which is proof that you can do it and hope that it will inspire other businesses to follow suit.”

The awards are part of the Plan it with Purpose initiative run by small business support platform, Enterprise Nation, in partnership with Aviva and TSB with the aim of shining a spotlight on businesses that focus on sustainability and purpose.

Emma Jones, CBE, founder of Enterprise Nation, said: “It’s wonderful to see the progress these small climate-friendly businesses have made and continue to make in their purpose-driven businesses.

“The reality is, in the fight against the cost-of-living crisis, businesses that are leading the way in sustainability and energy efficiency, while making a meaningful contribution to society, must become an increasingly important feature of the small business community and we must do everything we can to support them.

“Building a business around the circular economy is compelling, and our awards recognise the vital contribution these founders are making.”

Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at TSB said: “We know that reducing our own environmental impact matters to customers and colleagues.

“We’re proud to support Enterprise Nation’s ‘Plan It with Purpose‘ program, helping small businesses make a positive impact and recognising the success of the five brilliant businesses that have won today.”

Plan it with Purpose has been designed to support small and medium businesses and business owners by increasing their understanding of environmental and social issues, showcasing relatable role models, and helping to build sustainable ventures while encouraging change through tailored resources, action plans and recommendations.

More than fun and games: hospital’s Play Team changes wee Emily’s life

The mother of a patient at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has praised the incredible impact the Play Team have had on her daughter.

Since birth, Emily Donn displayed issues with feeding and has been in and out of hospital for appointments with gastroenterology and urology consultants, surgeons and specialist nurse teams for bowel and bladder.

Emily’s symptoms have resulted in several hospital stays, tests, scans, theatre visits, procedures and treatments over the years, which have led to high levels of anxiety and stress at times.

However, while it’s been a lot to take on physically and emotionally, the RHC’s Play Team have played a key role in helping Emily, who is now eight, to learn more about complex medical procedures while helping to ease her concerns and comfort her.

Emily’s mum Julie said: “Emily first met the play team when she was four and interactions with them have been the key to the success of most of the things that Emily has been able to achieve. When she first came to the hospital she was very nervous about what the experience would be like and was a bit scared of what would happen.

“The Play Team have seen her through so many procedures. We use them both before appointments for preparation and after to allow her a pressure-free space to relax. I’m also so grateful for the support they have given myself.

“They talk me through different ways I can help Emily and help me to think outside the box when things are tough. They are also so incredibly easy to talk to and can make the most difficult days better just by listening and chatting. Sometimes I need the support as much as Emily and they are always there to help.

“They have also worked with Emily’s sister on occasions when she has been at the hospital with her to ensure she doesn’t feel left out and that she understands what is happening with Emily as well.”

When people hear the term ‘Play Team’ they may think of a service that gives children the chance to have fun while they spend time in hospital. And while the team build great relationships and encourage learning through play, they do so much more.

Over the years, Emily, who is from Lochwinnoch, Renfrewshire, has worked closely with the Play Team, but has a particular bond with Teri Wright, who is one of the Health Play Specialists at the RHC.

Whether it’s listening to her concerns, playing games or explaining procedures in an interactive way at the site’s Teddy Hospital, which is the only one of its kind in Scotland, Teri has always been able to find a connection with Emily.

Last month, Teri and her colleague Wendy McKechnie, who is a Play Assistant, were recognised by the Children’s Health Scotland Awards for their amazing work, with Teri finding out after the event that Emily nominated her.

Julie added: “Teri has helped Emily through some of the most challenging times, she can tell if she is having an off day and is really attentive to her interests and knows how to get her engaging.

“The impact was so clear during COVID-19 – I think that time really highlighted the importance of the team. You could really see Teri’s smile behind the mask which was so important in keeping Emily positive and interested. Despite the masks Teri’s friendly face was still shining through keeping fun and familiarity as the focus at an otherwise really uncertain time.

“Teri also nominated Emily for a young achievers award at the same awards last year, so when she found out she could put Teri forward she was desperate to do it. We can’t thank Teri and the team enough for what they have done and continue to do for us.”

From October 10 until October 14, Play Teams across the country are celebrated as part of National Play In Hospital Week for the work they do with children like Emily and the positive impact they have on their mental health wellbeing and recovery.

Teri said: “It was excellent to hear that we had been nominated by Emily. I have worked with her for a long, long time and she has had a very hard time of it. She is still attending here and we have such a great relationship.

“I nominated her for the young achievers previously because she had gone through so much and still continued to get on with things as best she possibly could. It affects the whole family when a child is unwell, it impacts on everything, their mental health, their schooling, their social life.

“In this job, for me, when you can see a child engage with our approach and you see the fear and anxiety is removed, that’s the most rewarding thing. When a parent comes up and thanks you or a patient comes back and recognises you years on for the work you’d done for their family, that’s when you know you’re helping to make a difference.

“I’m not a nurse, but I am there to support the children and their families at what can be a hugely stressful time. I think they see us as a friend. What we do is all play based, at the Teddy Hospital we explain what will happen through role play, with a teddy or doll, and we take them on visits to meet the staff and learn about procedures we do as many sessions as needed to help with their nerves and anxiety.”

Mandy Meechan, Interim Chief Nurse for NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, said: “We are all so proud of Teri, Wendy and our entire Play Team at the Royal Hospital for Children who do such an amazing job to support the children in our care and their families.

“You can see how strong a connection they have with the patients they work with on a daily basis. The role of play in helping children understand procedures and treatment, which helps to ease worries and anxieties they may have, cannot be understated. Congratulations on your much deserved recent award.”

The work of the RHC’s Play Team, and the site’s Teddy Hospital also receives support from the Glasgow Children’s Hospital Charity, who have witnessed the impact of play on patients and their families.

Kirsten Watson, the charity’s CEO, said: “We have proudly supported the hospital’s play programme for more than 20 years, and believe it to be an indispensable part of a child’s hospital journey.

“Last year we invested more than £519,000 in play services, funding play staff, specialist equipment and fun events to relieve anxiety, support mental health and give children a positive experience in hospital.

“We are incredibly grateful to our donors and fundraisers for raising the vital funds that enable us to provide a structured play programme, which aims to give every child in hospital the chance to play.”

Free family fun for October holidays

Looking for some free October Holiday fun?

See above a list of what is on offer in Edinburgh!

Woman reunited with SAS emergency responder who saved her life

A woman who had a cardiac arrest in the Botanic Gardens has been reunited with one of the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) staff members who saved her life.

Jeanne Reilly, of Berkshire, recently returned to Edinburgh with family and friends to attend the unveiling of a new defibrillator installed at the same location where she collapsed on July 30 last year.

Her friend Jane Wood, who was with Jeanne when she went into arrest, instigated the efforts to have the defibrillator installed, and raised £2086 through family and friends.

A retired GP and an off duty doctor performed CPR immediately and used a nearby defib while an emergency call was placed with the Scottish Ambulance Service, which was received by Lindsey Brady, of West Ambulance Control Centre (ACC) in Glasgow.

Aidan Colliar and Audrey Michie, of the East ACC in Edinburgh, then dispatched Nickie Crowe, on a Paramedic Response Unit, and ambulance crew Ian Harwood and Ricky Moffat, of Dalkeith Station.

They arrived within two minutes of the call being received and Jeanne was transported to hospital and “kept alive” in the ambulance on the way to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary.

Jeanne said: “I was very pleased to see the newly installed defibrillator at the Terrace Café and it was a privilege to meet ambulance crew member Ian in person.

“We have all since spoken so fondly of the opportunity to meet together. Shiona Mackie, the retired GP, met us all again shortly after and gave us a tour of the Botanics in her capacity as a volunteer tour guide – that was special too.

“I was thrilled that Ian had driven so quickly from the Botanics to the Hospital. Putting names to faces and filling in some gaps in my experience has given me a sense of peace.”

Speaking of the cardiac arrest, she said she was given CPR and a defibrillator was used prior to the crew arriving. She added: “They arrived very quickly and then took me to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, giving me another shock in the ambulance.

“I spent 12 days in hospital, have a stent and ICD fitted and I am on the mend to lead a normal life again. I owe my life to all involved. I have been able to thank others personally, and my family and myself send thanks and more to the crew.”

She said it was vital for people to learn CPR skills for this year’s Restart a Heart Day on Sunday.

“Had it not been for the quick thinking of everyone, I would not be back to enjoying life. The expertise of the ambulance paramedics kept me alive while I made the journey to the Edinburgh Infirmary. The medical team in ICU took over from there.

“I hope that more people are educated about where to find a defibrillator and how to use one, so that the percentage of those who survive a cardiac arrest out of hospital can increase.”

To find out more about CPR, visit the Save a Life for Scotland website at www.savealife.scot

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Friends of the Earth: Scottish Government ‘shuts door on coal’

Environmental campaigners have welcomed the news that the Scottish Government’s position will be to oppose any future coal extraction.

Minister’s new ‘preferred policy position’ on coal will form part of the forthcoming Energy Strategy and Just Transition Plan which will be consulted on later this year. Climate campaigners say that the Strategy must also ‘plot a clear path’ away from oil and gas if the country is to meet its climate commitments.

Friends of the Earth Scotland’s head of campaigns Mary Church said: “It is the right decision for the Scottish Government to want to shut the door on coal once and for all. Climate science is clear that there is no space for any new fossil fuels, let alone the most polluting coal, if we are to avoid truly catastrophic warming.

“This announcement should spell the end for New Age Exploration’s deep coal extraction ambitions in Dumfries and Galloway. It’s simply not reasonable to be contemplating opening new coal mines, given the climate emergency.

“It’s time for Westminster to put an end to coal too, starting by finally rejecting the proposal for a new coal mine in Cumbria.

“At this stage in the climate crisis there is no time left for any new fossil fuels of any kind, so the forthcoming Energy Strategy must also chart a clear path for Scotland to phase out oil and gas within the decade.

“The Scottish Government must seize this opportunity to ensure a fast and fair transition to a reliable, affordable energy system powered by renewables and run in the public interest.”

Be prepared for Road Works when travelling to RIE and New Sick Kids

If you are travelling to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh or Royal Hospital of Children and Young People for an appointment, please be aware of road works which are due to commence Monday 17 October 2022, for 24 Weeks as this will affect your travel time to your appointment.

The road works will result in 2-way Temporary Lights on Old Dalkeith Road near Little France Campus. The lights will move as work progresses from the campus up towards Shawfair Park and Ride/Train station. This will take a break for 2 weeks from Friday 23 December 2022 until Friday 6 January 2023.

We have been informed that this will result in a minimum of 20 minutes delay up to 50 minutes at peak times.

It has been suggested that people travelling to these sites should instead travel via Gilmerton Road, Edinburgh which runs parallel to Dalkeith Road, to access the Campus, as this may limit time impact.